Apparatus for holding cosmetics

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for organizing cosmetics includes a plate. A mirror is coupled to the plate. A shelf for supporting a mobile device is also coupled to the plate. The shelf is positioned such that a display of the mobile device is oriented in substantially the same plane as a reflective surface of the mirror. A compartment can also be coupled to the plate.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for organizing and applying cosmetics.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is known to manufacture organizers, such as makeup organizers having multiple compartments for holding makeup and makeup accessories. These organizers are generally positioned on a table or a desk. A user typically reaches into a compartment containing the item he or she wishes to use.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, the invention is embodied in an apparatus for organizing cosmetics. The apparatus includes a plate. A mirror is coupled to the plate. A shelf for supporting a mobile device is also coupled to the plate. The shelf is positioned such that a display of the mobile device is oriented in substantially the same plane as a reflective surface of the mirror.

In one embodiment, at least one compartment is coupled to the plate. In some embodiments, the compartment is configured to support one or more of a makeup, jewelry, a tool, a cotton ball, a swab, a sponge, beauty item, or a nail polish bottle or other self-grooming handheld cosmetic.

In one embodiment, the plate is configured to be mounted to a wall. Alternatively, the plate can include a stand for supporting the plate when the apparatus is positioned on a horizontal surface. The plate can also include at least one peg for supporting jewelry.

In alternate embodiments, the plate can be fabricated from wood, plastic, metal, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), or a composite material. The mirror can be fabricated from metal, glass or plastic or other reflective material.

The shelf can be welded to the plate. Alternatively, the shelf can be molded with the plate. In one embodiment, the shelf includes a lip. The mobile device can be a cellular telephone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), or a tablet, for example. In one embodiment, a plate can include a tab adapted to couple to a corresponding slot in another plate so as to removably connect the plate and the other plate together.

In another aspect, the invention is embodied in an apparatus for organizing cosmetics. The apparatus includes, a plate having a shelf molded therein. The shelf supports a mobile device such that a display of the mobile device is oriented in substantially the same plane as a surface of the plate. A mirror is coupled to the plate. A compartment is also coupled to the plate.

In some embodiments, the compartment is adapted to support one or more of a makeup, jewelry, a tool, a cotton ball, a swab, a sponge, a beauty item or a nail polish bottle or other self-grooming handheld cosmetic.

In one embodiment, the plate is configured to be mounted to a wall. Alternatively, the plate can include a stand for supporting the plate when the apparatus is positioned on a horizontal surface. The plate can also include at least one peg for supporting jewelry.

The shelf can be welded to the plate. Alternatively, the shelf can be molded with the plate. In one embodiment, the shelf includes a lip. The mobile device can be a cellular telephone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), or a tablet, for example. In one embodiment, a plate can include a tab adapted to couple to a corresponding slot in another plate so as to removably connect the plate and the other plate together.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help improve understanding of various embodiments. In addition, the description and drawings do not necessarily require the order illustrated. It will be further appreciated that certain actions and/or steps may be described or depicted in a particular order of occurrence while those skilled in the art will understand that such specificity with respect to sequence is not actually required. Apparatus and method components have been represented where appropriate by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the various embodiments so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein. Thus, it will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, common and well-understood elements that are useful or necessary in a commercially feasible embodiment may not be depicted in order to facilitate a less obstructed view of these various embodiments.

The above and further advantages of this invention may be better understood by referring to the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like numerals indicate like structural elements and features in various figures. Skilled artisans will appreciate that reference designators shown herein in parenthesis indicate components shown in a figure other than the one in discussion. For example, talking about a device (10) while discussing Figure A would refer to an element, 10, shown in figure other than Figure A.

FIG. 1 illustrates a caddy for organizing cosmetics according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a caddy for organizing cosmetics according to another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a rear view of a caddy for organizing cosmetics according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a side view of a caddy for organizing cosmetics according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates a caddy for organizing cosmetics according to another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates a caddy for organizing cosmetics according to another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7 illustrates a system for coupling multiple caddies together according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate a caddy for organizing cosmetics according to yet another embodiment of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The following detailed description is merely illustrative in nature and is not intended to limit the invention or the application and uses of the invention. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any express or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the following detailed description.

Techniques and technologies may be described herein in terms of functional components and various processing steps. It should be appreciated that such components may be realized by any number of hardware components configured to perform the specified functions.

The following description may refer to elements or features being “connected” or “coupled” together. As used herein, unless expressly stated otherwise, “connected” means that one element/feature is directly joined to (or directly communicates with) another element/feature. Likewise, unless expressly stated otherwise, “coupled” means that one element/feature is directly or indirectly joined to (or directly or indirectly communicates with) another element/feature. The term “exemplary” is used in the sense of “example, instance, or illustration” rather than “model,” or “deserving imitation.”

Technologies and concepts discussed herein relate to an apparatus for organizing cosmetics. The apparatus includes a plate. A mirror is coupled to the plate. A shelf for supporting a mobile device is also coupled to the plate. The shelf is positioned such that a display of the mobile device is oriented in substantially the same plane as a reflective surface of the mirror. In one embodiment, at least one compartment is coupled to the plate. In some embodiments, the compartment is configured to support one or more of a makeup, jewelry, a tool, a cotton ball, a swab, a sponge, beauty item, or a nail polish bottle or other self-grooming handheld cosmetic.

FIG. 1 illustrates a caddy 100 for organizing cosmetics 102 according to one embodiment of the invention. The caddy 100 includes a back plate 104. The caddy 100 can include a shelf 106 coupled to the back plate 104 for supporting the cosmetics 102. The shelf 106 can be attached to the plate 104 by hardware or a weld, for example. Alternatively, the shelf 106 can be molded with the back plate 104 during the fabrication process of the caddy 100. The shelf 106 can also support a mobile device 108. In one embodiment, the shelf 106 includes a lip 110. The lip 110 can prevent the mobile device 108 from falling from the shelf 106. The height 112 of the lip 110 can vary across the length of the shelf 106.

The caddy 100 can include a mirror 114 which is coupled to the back plate 104. The mirror 114 can be fabricated from glass, metal or plastic, for example. The mirror 114 can be attached to the back plate 104 by using adhesive, tape, or hardware. In practice, any suitable method can be used to attach the mirror 114 to the back plate 104.

The caddy 100 can include a stand (not shown) for supporting the caddy 100 on a horizontal surface (not shown) so that the back plate 104 is positioned substantially perpendicular to the horizontal surface. The caddy 100 can also include a hole (not shown) in the back plate 104 or other mechanical feature to permit the caddy 100 to be mounted to a wall or another vertical surface, for example. In some embodiments, the caddy 100 is mounted to a surface using screws, nails, suction cups, tape, or glue, for example.

The mobile device 108 can be a cellular telephone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a tablet, or any other suitable portable device. The cosmetics 102 can include one or more of a makeup, a tool, a cotton ball, a swab, a sponge, a beauty item or a nail polish bottle, for example. The makeup can include lipstick, mascara, powder, rouge, blush, and/or eyeliner, for example.

In operation, a user 116 either stands the caddy 100 on a table or desk, or mounts the caddy 100 to a wall. The user 116 places cosmetics 102 on the shelf 106 of the caddy 100. The user 116 can then simply apply makeup to her face using the mirror 114. In one embodiment, the user 116 initiates a video chat with a friend 118 using her cellular telephone 108. The user 116 places the cellular telephone 108 on the shelf 106 of the caddy 100, such that the display 120 of the cellular telephone 108 is oriented in substantially the same plane as a reflective surface of the mirror 114. In this mode of operation, the user 116 and the friend 118 can provide feedback to each other while one or both of them is applying makeup, for example.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a caddy 200 for organizing cosmetics according to another embodiment of the invention. The caddy 200 includes a back plate 202. The caddy 100 can include a shelf 204 coupled to the back plate 202 for supporting the cosmetics and/or a mobile device 206, such as a cellular telephone. The shelf 204 can be attached to the plate 202 by hardware or a weld, for example. Alternatively, the shelf 204 can be molded with the back plate 202 during the fabrication process. In one embodiment, the shelf 204 includes a lip 208. The lip 208 can prevent the mobile device 206 from falling from the shelf 204.

The caddy 200 can include a mirror 210 which is coupled to the back plate 202. The mirror 210 can be fabricated from glass, metal or plastic, for example. Any suitable method can be used to attach the mirror 210 to the back plate 202.

The caddy 200 can also include a compartment 212. The compartment 212 can support tools, make-up, or any other suitable items. The compartment 212 can be any suitable shape or size. The compartment 212 can be attached to the plate 202 by hardware or a weld, for example. Alternatively, the compartment 212 can be molded with the back plate 202 during the fabrication process.

In operation, a user (not shown) either stands the caddy 200 on a table or desk, or mounts the caddy 200 to a vertical surface, such as a wall. In some embodiments, the caddy 200 is mounted to the surface using screws, nails, suction cups, tape, or glue, for example. The user places cosmetics (not shown) in the compartment 212 of the caddy 200. The user can then simply apply makeup to her face using the mirror 210. In one embodiment, the user initiates a video chat with a friend (not shown) using her mobile device 206. The user places the mobile device 206 on the shelf 204 of the caddy 200, such that a display (not shown) of the mobile device 206 is oriented in substantially the same plane as a reflective surface of the mirror 210.

FIG. 3 is a rear view of a caddy 300 for organizing cosmetics according to one embodiment of the invention. The caddy 300 includes a back plate 302. One or more mounting features 304 can be located on the back plate 302. In one embodiment, the caddy 300 can include a stand 306 coupled to the back plate 302. The stand 306 can be any suitable shape or size. In one embodiment, the stand 306 is coupled to the back plate 302 using one or more hinges 308. The hinges 308 can include mechanical stops (not shown). In practice, any suitable method for attaching the stand 306 to the back plate 302 can be used. The stand 306 can include a cutout 310 or other mechanical feature for allowing a user to pull the stand 306 away from the back plate 302.

FIG. 4 is a side view of a caddy 400 for organizing cosmetics (not shown) according to one embodiment of the invention. The caddy 400 includes a back plate 402. The back plate 402 includes a stand 404 shown in the open position. The caddy 400 includes a compartment 406 for storing cosmetics. The caddy 400 can also include a shelf 408 having a lip 410. The shelf 408 is configured to support a mobile device (not shown).

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a caddy 500 for organizing cosmetics 502 according to another embodiment of the invention. The caddy 500 includes a back plate 504. The caddy 500 can include a shelf 506 coupled to the back plate 504 for supporting a mobile device 508. The shelf 506 can be attached to the plate 504 by hardware or a weld, for example. Alternatively, the shelf 506 can be molded with the back plate 504 during the fabrication process. In one embodiment, the shelf 506 includes a lip 510. The lip 510 can prevent the mobile device 508 from falling from the shelf 506. The height 512 of the lip 510 can be uniform or can vary across the length of the shelf 506.

The caddy 500 can include a mirror 514 which is coupled to the back plate 504. The mirror 514 can be fabricated from glass, metal or plastic, for example. The mirror 514 can be attached to the back plate 504 by using adhesive, tape, or hardware. In practice, any suitable method can be used to attach the mirror 514 to the back plate 504.

The caddy 500 can include one or more pegs 516 or hooks for hanging jewelry or hair ties, for example. In one embodiment, the caddy 500 also includes one or more compartments 518 for holding the cosmetics 502. The cosmetics 502 can include one or more of a makeup, a tool, a cotton ball, a swab, a sponge, a beauty item or a nail polish bottle, for example. The makeup can include lipstick, mascara, powder, rouge, blush, and/or eyeliner, for example.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a caddy 600 for organizing cosmetics 602 according to another embodiment of the invention. The caddy 600 is generally used with another caddy 500 (FIG. 5) having a mirror 514. The caddy 600 includes a shelf 604 and multiple compartments 606, 608, 610 for supporting cosmetics, such as tools and makeup.

FIG. 7 illustrates a system 700 for coupling multiple caddies 702, 704, 706, 708 together according to one embodiment of the invention. Each caddy 702, 704, 706, 708 can be different or the same as one or more of the other caddies 702, 704, 706, 708. The first caddy 702 includes tabs 710 and slots 712 or other mechanical features that removably couple the first caddy 702 to the second caddy 704 and to the third caddy 706. Each caddy 702, 704, 706, 708 includes corresponding mechanical features that permit the caddies 702, 704, 706, 708 to couple to each other.

FIG. 8A illustrates a caddy 800 for organizing cosmetics 802 according to yet another embodiment of the invention. The caddy 800 includes a cover 804 that is coupled to a back plate 806 via a hinge mechanism 808. The cover 804 can be rotated to an open position to be used as a stand. In this embodiment, the hinge mechanism 808 includes a mechanical stop (not shown) to hold the cover 804 in a fixed position. In a fully-opened position (not shown), the cover 804 can be mounted to a vertical surface, such as a wall, using mounting features (not shown).

The caddy 800 can also include a shelf 810 coupled to the back plate 806 for supporting the cosmetics 802 and/or a mobile device 812, such as a cellular telephone. The shelf 810 can include a lip 814. The lip 814 can prevent the mobile device 812 from falling from the shelf 810.

The caddy 800 can include a mirror 816 which is coupled to the back plate 806. The mirror 816 can be fabricated from glass, metal or plastic, for example. The caddy 800 can include one or more pegs 818 or hooks for hanging jewelry or hair ties, for example. In one embodiment, the caddy 800 also includes one or more compartments 820 for holding the cosmetics 802.

FIG. 8B illustrates the caddy 800 having the cover 804 in the closed position. The cover 804 can include an optional handle 822 for carrying the caddy 800. In one embodiment, the cover 804 includes a latching mechanism (not shown) to prevent the cover 804 from inadvertently separating from the back plate 806.

In the foregoing specification, specific embodiments have been described. However, one of ordinary skill in the art appreciates that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the claims below. Accordingly, the specification and figures are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of present teachings. The benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any element(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essential features or elements of any or all the claims. The invention is defined solely by the appended claims including any amendments made during the pendency of this application and all equivalents of those claims as issued.

Moreover, in this document, relational terms such as first and second, top and bottom, and the like may be used solely to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “has”, “having,” “includes”, “including,” “contains”, “containing” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises, has, includes, contains a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element proceeded by “comprises . . . a”, “has . . . a”, “includes . . . a”, “contains . . . a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises, has, includes, contains the element. The terms “a” and “an” are defined as one or more unless explicitly stated otherwise herein. The terms “substantially”, “essentially”, “approximately”, “about” or any other version thereof, are defined as being close to as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, and in one non-limiting embodiment the term is defined to be within 10%, in another embodiment within 5%, in another embodiment within 1% and in another embodiment within 0.5%. A device or structure that is “configured” in a certain way is configured in at least that way, but may also be configured in ways that are not listed.

The Abstract of the Disclosure is provided to allow the reader to quickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the foregoing Detailed Description, it can be seen that various features are grouped together in various embodiments for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed embodiments require more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subject matter lies in less than all features of a single disclosed embodiment. Thus the following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separately claimed subject matter.

While at least one example embodiment has been presented in the foregoing detailed description, it should be appreciated that a vast number of variations exist. It should also be appreciated that the example embodiment or embodiments described herein are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the claimed subject matter in any way. Rather, the foregoing detailed description will provide those skilled in the art with a convenient road map for implementing the described embodiment or embodiments. It should be understood that various changes can be made in the function and arrangement of elements without departing from the scope defined by the claims, which includes known equivalents and foreseeable equivalents at the time of filing this patent application.

In addition, the section headings included herein are intended to facilitate a review but are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative manner and are not intended to limit the scope of the appended claims.

In interpreting the appended claims, it should be understood that:

a) the word “comprising” does not exclude the presence of other elements or acts than those listed in a given claim;

b) the word “a” or “an” preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements;

c) any reference signs in the claims do not limit their scope;

d) several “means” may be represented by the same item implemented structure or function;

e) any of the disclosed devices or portions thereof may be combined together or separated into further portions unless specifically stated otherwise; and

f) no specific sequence of acts or steps is intended to be required unless specifically indicated. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus for organizing cosmetics comprising: a plate; a mirror coupled to the plate; and a shelf coupled to the plate for supporting a mobile device such that a display of the mobile device is oriented in substantially the same plane as a reflective surface of the mirror.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising at least one compartment coupled to the plate.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the compartment is adapted to support at least one of a makeup, jewelry, a tool, a cotton ball, a swab, a sponge, beauty item, a nail polish bottle, and a cosmetic.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plate is configured to be mounted to a wall.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a stand coupled to the plate for supporting the plate when the apparatus is positioned on a horizontal surface.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising at least one peg for supporting jewelry.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the mirror is fabricated from one of metal, glass and plastic.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plate is fabricated from one of wood, plastic, metal, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), or a composite material.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the shelf is one of welded to the plate and molded with the plate.
 10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the shelf includes a lip.
 11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the mobile device comprises one of a cellular telephone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), and a tablet.
 12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plate further comprises at least one tab adapted to couple to a corresponding slot in another plate so as to removably connect the plate and the other plate together.
 13. An apparatus for organizing cosmetics comprising: a plate having a shelf molded therein, the shelf supporting a mobile device such that a display of the mobile device is oriented in substantially the same plane as a surface of the plate; a mirror coupled to the plate; and at least one compartment coupled to the plate.
 14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the compartment is adapted to support at least one of a makeup, jewelry, a tool, a cotton ball, a swab, a sponge, a beauty item, a nail polish bottle and a cosmetic.
 15. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the plate is configured to be mounted to a wall.
 16. The apparatus of claim 13 further comprising a stand coupled to the plate for supporting the plate when the apparatus is positioned on a horizontal surface.
 17. The apparatus of claim 13 further comprising at least one peg for supporting jewelry.
 18. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the shelf is one of welded to the plate and molded with the plate.
 19. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the mobile device comprises one of a cellular telephone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), and a tablet.
 20. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the plate further comprises at least one tab adapted to couple to a corresponding slot in another plate so as to removably connect the plate and the other plate together. 